All graphic design students begin with fundamental courses in color, design, drawing, and technology. The Graphic Design Associate of Applied Science degree program is designed to focus on the software skills related to print production, typography, and print design. The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program is designed to build on the foundations of art and design with additional courses in creativity, conceptual thinking, problem solving and advanced design skills. Bachelor of Fine Arts degree candidates take courses such as interactive design, environmental design, information design and brand identity. Before graduating, students in both programs prepare their portfolios for job searches and work as interns in the field.
Mission Statement
The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program in Graphic Design provides individuals the opportunity to study the visual, conceptual, historical, and technical aspects of the discipline through a curriculum that offers comprehensive experiences in the analysis of communication problems, the development of creative solutions to those problems, and the implementation and evaluation of those solutions. Students also acquire web skills that allow them to apply their knowledge of graphic design to a web-based medium in addition to traditional print-based media.
The Associate of Graphic Design degree program provides individuals the opportunity to study the visual, conceptual, historical, and technical aspects of the discipline through a curriculum that offers comprehensive experiences in the analysis of communication problems, the development of creative solutions to those problems, and the implementation and evaluation of those solutions. The Associate degree places an emphasis on the technical and production aspects of graphic design and prepares students for auxiliary positions in the industry.
Entry-Level Career Opportunities
Graduates in the associate degree program may choose to continue in the bachelor?s degree program or pursue entry-level positions such as a production artist, assistant designer or layout artist. Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program graduates may join the creative staffs of advertising agencies, design studios, publishing houses, or corporate communication departments in entry-level positions as a graphic designer. Opportunities may also be available for entrepreneurial graduates to enter the market as freelance graphic designers.